The SOUND.AI program (Sorbonne University for a New Deal on Artificial Intelligence) is a prestigious initiative led by the Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) and the Sorbonne University Alliance. It advances excellence in doctoral training, international mobility, and career development, fostering innovation within one of the world’s most dynamic AI ecosystems.
Launched in 2023, SOUND.AI recruited 26 exceptional PhD candidates through a highly selective process. The program is designed to:
✔ Develop a cutting-edge AI-focused PhD program, preparing students for the future of AI research.
✔ Enhance interdisciplinary learning, integrating fundamental and applied research in “societies, languages, and cultures”, “global health” and “sustainable resources”.
✔ Modernize doctoral education, strengthening PhD training across Sorbonne University and its partners.
✔ Encourage critical thinking and innovation, pushing students to expand their perspectives through workshops, summer schools, and digital training.
✔ Strengthen research collaborations, fostering connections with academic and industry leaders to open new research opportunities.
Backed by the Sorbonne University Alliance—including Sorbonne University, the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), and the University of Technology of Compiègne (UTC)—the program integrates cutting-edge research, pedagogical innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration to transform PhD training.
A strong network of associated partners further enriches the program, with organizations such as APHP (health innovation), BnF (cultural data), IRCAM (artistic creation), IFPEN (renewable energy), LNE (AI systems certification), and the City of Paris (public outreach) providing specialized training and real-world applications.
The program also fosters global collaborations with leading institutions such as UCL in Europe and MILA and OBVIA in North America, enabling co-supervision, international mobility, and access to world-class training opportunities. Simultaneously, industrial partners play a pivotal role in bridging research and practice, offering fellows exposure to diverse professional environments across corporates like EDF or Valeo, SMEs like CRITEO, Naver Labs, and innovative startups (Datacraft, Hugging Face, OpenClassrooms).
With its innovative training approach, global partnerships, and strong academic-industry ties, SOUND.AI is shaping the next generation of AI researchers and innovators. By reinforcing Sorbonne University’s leadership in AI research and equipping students with advanced skills, the program ensures that its fellows are ready to tackle global challenges and lead AI-driven advancements.
